The founder of the firm, David Henry Stevens, graduated form New York Trade School in 1896, married Clara Schaffer Johnson in 1897, had a son, James Maxwell Stevens in 1898 and moved from Tonowanda, New Your to Coudersport, PA in 1898. There he started in business with a partner by the name of Olmstead. Before leaving for Coudersport he had his own business.

Upon arrival in Washington in early 1900's they lived on Lanier Pl. N.W. and he went to work for Harry Wardman who was a builder. David Henry proved his ability by curing the heating problem at the old Belasco Theater where others had failed. He started in business for himself at 4th & New York Ave by renting a license and Clara worked in the office.

The family moved to 1379 Quincy Street, N.W. about 1909 and 1351 Quincy was purchased while still being built. The family moved in about December 1915.

James Maxwell, "JIm", served in World War I from July 25, 1917 to June 18, 1918. The all-out war effort began about 1916. D.H. had a stake-body truck which was rented by the Federal Government and he went to work for the Government supervising the building of temporary buildings. People flooded into the District and by law owners had to rent rooms to these workers. Dave and Clara did this and had, as they said, some "gay old times which included playing poker with the then Senator Harding (later president).

After the war Dave started his business again and did new work as well as some jobbing. A builder of new houses in the Northeast Section absconded and left all the subcontractors with no pay and owing everybody. Dave went to E.G. Schafer Co. and Noland Co. and explained and promised to pay - no matter how long it took. This he did and the credit of the Company has been A-1 since. The firm never did new work again.

Jim married Virginia B. Parsons in 1920 and came with the firm about 1923. Virginia helped out with the business those times Dave and Clara took vacations, etc.

The second floor of Quincy Street was turned into an apartment in 1936. Dave and Clara returned in 1937 and went to St. Petersburg, Florida. Jim and Virginia took over the business and moved into Quincy Street with their family. David James Stevens graduated from New York Trade School in June 1948 and started work with the company. He married Janice Lee in September 1948.

Jim retired from active participation gradually in the late 50's and Virginia retired after a heart attack in January 1970. Jim died in March 1974.

David J. Stevens passed away March of 1999, to be carried on by his son Dean W. Stevens.